Machine for making grass twine.



Patented 'luly 3|, I900.

N0. 654,99I. 1 6'. A. LOWRY.

MACHINE FOR MAKING GRASS TWINE.

' (Application filed July 7 13 j I 8 Shoets--Sheet 1,

(No Model.)

WKW

fa: mnngmrmns co momumu. WASHINGTON. n. c.

G. A. LOWRY.

MACHINE FOR MAKING GRASS TWINE. (Application filed July 7, 1897.)

(No Model.) I a Sheets-Shut z,

m: uonms PEYERS co PHOIO-L'ITHO" WASHINGTON, o. c.

No. 654,99I. Patented lu ly 3|, I900.

a. A. LOWBY. MACHINE FOR MAKING GRASS TWINE.

[Application filed July 7, 1897.) (No Model.) 8 Shasta-Sheet 3.

,Zvwarzz ar No. 654,99l. Patented July 3|, I900.

a. A. 'LOWRY.

MACHINE FOR MAKING GRASS TWINE.

(Application'filed July 7, 1897.) (No Model.) 8 Sheets-Shani 4.

nomu'rna. wAsHmm-omu c.

.No. 654,991. Patented July 3|, I900.

' a. A. LOWRY.

MACHINE FOR MAKING GRASS TWINE.

(Application filed July 7, 1897.) I (lo M01191.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 5.

1n: uonms versus ea. Bum-ammo. wmnmmon. o. c.

No. 654,99l. Patented July 3|, I900.

' G. A. LUWRY.

MACHINE FOR MAKING GRASS TWINE.' (Application filed July 7, 1697.) (No Model.) a Sheets-S'heet s.

m: News PETERS co. FNOTO-LITHQ. WASNINGTON. u. 0.

No. 654,991. Patented July 3!, I900.

' G. A. LOWHY.

MACHINE FOR MAKING GRASS TWINE.

(Application filed July 7 1897.) (No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 7.

74ZZ7Z66 W WW UNITE; 'S i F TENT mes.

GEORGE A. "tower, on CHICAGO, ILLlNOlS, ASSIGNOR TO THE nonrnwnsi ERN {GRASS TWINE COMPANY, on ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA.

IVILACHl NE FOR MAKING GRASS 'rwmsg SPECIFICATION feigning part of Letters Patent No. 654,991, dated July31, 1900; Application filed July '7, 1897. 'Serial No. 643,768: (No model) To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE A. LOWRY, citizen of the United States, residing at'Chi-I cago in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Machine for Making Grass Twine, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to machines f or m aking grass twine.

The object of the invention is to provide a machine which is of simple construction and which is eflicient in operation for making grass 'tive arrangement of parts, all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, andto-th'e various views and reference-signs appearing thereon, Figure l is a general view, in side elevation, of a grass-twine-inaking machine constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention. Fig. 2 is a front end elevation of the same. Fig. 3 is a view in side elevation of the gripper-carrier, parts being broken away and parts in vertical section. Fig. a is a horizontal sectional view on the line 4 4, Fig, 3, looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 5 is a detached broken detaih' View in plan of the periphery of the gripper-1; carrier, showing the relative arrangement of} the grippers. Fig. 6 is a broken detail View, in side elevation, showing mechanism for feeding the grass to the grippers. Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the construction shown in Fig. 6, taken on line 7 7, Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a: broken detached detail view of the box or; tray through which the grass is fed to the grippers, showing means for vibrating the same. Fig. 9 isa similar View of the rear end of feedway, showing the weighted flap-door. Fig. 10 is a detached detail view in plan ofgripperembodying my invention. Fig. 11 is a view in side elevation of the same. Fig. 12 is a view in vertical central longitudinal section' of the twisting, thread-wrapping, and twine-feeding mechanism constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention. Fig. 13 is a View in vertical central section of the support or reel upon which the twine when formed is wound,showingthe deployer by which the twine is properly guided and delivered to the reel; sectional view of the deployer-guide on the line 14: 14, Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a View in plan of an arrangement of winding-reels embodying the principles of my invention.

The same part is designated bythe same 6o Ireference-sign whenever itfoccu rs throughout the several views.

Im the drawings reference-sign A designatesa framework of suitable material, size,

and arrangement to support the several parts "of the construction hereinafter to be described.

Upon the framework A is mountedashaft B, adapted to receive motion through the pulleys G from any suitable or convenient source and to transmit it to the various work-' ing parts of the apparatus. Upon frame :work A is mounted a shaft D, arranged to be driven from drive-shaft B through suitable gearing E. Mounted u'pon or arranged to be f actuated by the shaftD is what I shall term the gripper-carrier. Many diiferent forms of arrangements of gripper-carriers may be em pl0yed,'and, therefore, whileI have shown a carrier in the form of a revolving wheel F, I

do notdesire to be limited or restricted thereto. The carrier Fhas mounted on the outer periphery thereof the grippers G, said grippers being arranged to project radially from the periphery of saidcarrier. These grippers have a peculiar construction and arrangement and manner of mounting, which I will now describe, particular reference being had't'o Figs. 10"and'1l. Each gripper is com posed of'the two parts 20 21, pivotally con- 'nected, as at 22, after the fashion of nippers, as clearly shown. The part 20 is arranged to be rigidly held in audio project radially from the periphery of the carrier F, as will presently be more fully described. The extreme 9 5 outer end of part 20 isformed into a fiat lip 23, which is perforated, as showmandthe cooperating end 24 of the part 21 of the-gripper is provided with a pin or projection 25,

arranged to be received in the perforation in thelip 23. The extremityof end portion 2a is preferably-circular shaped, or substan- Fig. 14 is a horizontal 5 5 12 parts of the grippers pass.

the parts 20 21 of the gripper are relatively- 5 rocked about pivot 22 the end portions 23 24' open and close. ,It will be seen that the end 1 portions 23 2% converge toward a common point from the pivotal point 22 and that said end portions are somewhat flattened. From o this construction it will be understood that,

when the carrier F, upon the periphery of which-the grippers are mounted to project radially, .is-actuated the passage of the grippers throughithe straw or grass to be formed I 5 into twine is facilitated, the grippers being arranged upon the carrier edgewise-that is, with the planes of the-sides of the gripping -jaws in the plane of travel of the .carrier (and, as will more clearly appear hereinafter,

20 in 'positionto passthrough the stalks of grass glengthwise thereof.

As indicated most clearly in'Figs. 4 and 5, the peripheryof carrier F is perforated. and through such perforations the shanksof the A shoulder 26 on the shank of part 20 serves as a bearing for thegripper part upon the outer surface of thecarrier, and a-set-nut 27, adapted to be received on the threaded end of said part, serves to clampthe gripper to the carrier. A

springwasher28 is interposed between the nut 27 and the inner surface of the carrier. During the passage of the outer ends of :the grippers through the straw or grassin the 5 operation of the machine the jaws of the grippers are opened and closed in order that one or more .bladesor straws of the grass may gbje grasped between said jaws, whereby the said straws are fed to the twine-forming 4o :mechanism, as will presently be more fully explained, and by forming the extreme end or clamping part of jaw24= circular in shape, {the ;circle being struck from the center .of =projection'or pin,25, it will be seen that said ,45 j 'j aw presents van equal flat clampingqsurface .on allsides, which surface is bounded by the circular edge above mentioned, thereby insuringthe grasping of the stems or straws of. vgrass by the jaws, eitherin advance of orto 5;o-the rearof said pin or projection with reference .to the direction of travel thereof, and Thence thereby efiiciently' providing against anyirregular or uneven position the straws or stems of the grass may assume inthe pres- '55 entation thereofto the action of the grippers.

:I have designated the grippers generally by the reference-sign G, and by reference to Fig. 5 it will be seen that the grippers .G are so relatively arranged on the peripheryvof -6,o carrier as tocover-the entire area thereof,

- ;6 5 respondinggripper of the preceding or;suc-

ceeding line. In this manner it will .be readilysseen that the grippers command the entire area traversed by the carrier in the movements-thereof through the grass, as will appear more fully hereinafter.

Many different forms of mechanism may be employed for opening and closing the gripperjaws 23 24:, and while I havejshownand will now describe aspecific form and arrangement thereof I do not .desire to be limited or restricted thereto, asmany changes and variations would readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope of my invention. In the form shown I pivotally secure one end of a rod 29 in the end of the shank of part 21 of the grippers and arrange said rod to pass loosely through a slot or aperture formed in theshank of-stationarypartfl20. This aperture is indicated byidottedlines, as ,at 30, Fig. 1 1, and issomewhat larger than ;the rod 29, whereby said rod .isyallowed sufficient play therein "to efiect a rocking of part121 about its pivot 22. Suitable means ,may be employed to normally. and yieldingly hold the parts 20 21 ofthe grippers in 'suchrelative positions to close the gripping-jaws23 24;. In the form shown I provide a spring 31, which'is mounted on;rod 29.and bears at one end-against the stationarypart 2O and-at the other end against a collar 32 mounted onsaid rod, as'mostclearly seen in .Fig. 11.

In orderthat the rods 29 of the grippers may be automaticallyprojected .endwise and against-the actionof springsf3-l ;to efiect ,an opening of the jaws attheproper time to receiveandgraspthe stems of the straws-that is, during that portionof the travel of the :carrier when the grippers are movingthrough the straws or grass-J .mount said rods to slide back and forth in suitable ,guides or bearingsformed on or carried by the carrierends projecting therethrough, and Y I arrange a cam pla-te or shoe H in the path of the-end .of such rods and at a point adjacent towhere it'is desired toopenrthe jaws'of thegrippers. By the engagement of the ends of rods29 with the oamTsurfa'ce H said rods'are projected endwise, therebyeffecting an opening of the jaws of the grippers, and whensuch cam-surface is passed the gripping-jawsagain springs 31. The cam His carried upon adjusting-bolts 34, (see .Fig. 4B,) suitablymounted in a bracket. 35 upon the frame A, whereby :the position of said cam with referencetothe path of travel oftherods may be readilyadj usted. s

I will now describe the construction and arrangement of. parts whereby the grass is presented to the action of .the grippers, particular-reference being had to Figs. 1, 2, 3, .4,

6., and 7.

Referencesign J designates suitablelbrack- .ets mounted on -or supported by the main frame A, and upon said brackets .I mount a .tray or box K,.into which the grass isdeposited by hand or otherwise preparatory to a besay,for instance, a flange 33 -and wlththeir close vupon each other under the influence of IIO ing fed into position to be grasped by the grippers. Previously to being placed in the tray or box K the grass is suitably combed, so that the individual straws or stems of grass will be free from interlacing or tangles and assume a position parallel with respect to each other. The grass thus prepared is placed in the box or tray K with the butt-ends thereof all presented toward and resting against the lower Wall 36 .of said box or casing and with the tops thereof all presented in the opposite direction, as most clearly shown in Fig. '1. In order that the grass may be presented in a suitable 'manner, facilitating the action of the grippers in grasping the stems or straws thereof, the tray K is preferablyarranged upon a slant downwardly toward the carrier, as clearly shown in the drawings. Arranged over the inner ortion of the box or tray K is a plate L, between which and the bottom 37 of thetray or box or an extension of such bottom the grass is fed to the grippers. The plate L is arranged in inclined position to correspond with the inclined position of the box or tray, and the outer end of said plate is curved upwardly, as most clearly shown in Figs. 4 and 7, thereby facilitating the entrance of the stalks of grass into the space between said plate L and the plate 37. The plate L in the upturned end thereof is slotted, as at 38, and through the said slots operate the fingers 39. Fingers 39 are shaped in the form of triangular hooks pivotally mounted at oneend, as at 40, upon plates 41, said plates being mounted on to rotate with a shaft 42, suitably journaled in a bracket 43, mounted upon the main framework. In practice I prefer to employ a pair of such plates or disks 41, and the fingers 39 are mounted in cooperating pairs on said disks or plates, respectively. The shaft-42 is arranged to receive rotary motion through any suitably-arranged gearing. In the particular form shown, to which, however, I do not desire to be limited or restricted, I mount on said shaft a gear-wheel 44, arranged to mesh with and to be driven by a gear 45, mounted on a shaft 46, suitablyjournaled in bracket 43, said shaft 46 being driven through the gears 47 48 from a shaft 49, which in turn is rotated through the gears 50 E from the shaft D orfrom any other suitable source. Carried by bracket 43 is an arm 51, (see Fig. 7,) arrangedto project into proximity with the slots 38 in plate or shield L, and mounted on said arm and arranged in position to be engaged by the rear sides or edges of the fingers 39 are the pins or projections 52 53, which, if desired and in order to reduce friction and in the construction shown, may comprise friction-rollers.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that when rotation is imparted to the shaft 42, and hence also to disks 41, the fingers 39, carried thereby, are caused to be moved in a circular path. When said fingers reach the point in their path of travel adjacent to the rollers 52 53, said rollers successively engage the rear or inner edges of said fingers, thereby causing said fingers to rock shown in Fig. 7. When the rollers 52 53 are passed, the continued rotation of the disks 41 and the opposition of the grass causes said fingers to be withdrawn from engagement with the grass, while the feed of the grass is carried on through the next succeeding finger. Thus it will be seen that the grass introduced to the tray K is positively fed and properly presented to the point in the path of travel of the gripper-carrier for the grippers to engage the straws and present them to the twine-forming mechanism, as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

In order that the grass introduced to tray K may be presented'properly to the action of the feeding-fingers39, I pivotally mount the tray K, as at 54, and I mount a shaft 55 in the brackets J or any other suitable or C011. venient position. Upon shaft 551 mount a cam 56, upon the cam-surface of which one edge of the trayis arranged to rest, as clearly shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 8. By imparting roe tation to shaft 55 it will be readily seen that the tray K is agitated, thereby facilitating the presentation of the grass to the action of the feeding-fingers 39. Rotationmay be imparted to the shaft 55 in any suitable or convenient manner, as by means of a belt con-. nection 57 to shaft D. p i

In case the grass is fed to the position for the grippers to operate thereon too rapidly for the grippers to removethe same, it is im: portant to provide means wherebya choking or congestion of the grass is prevented in the space between the plate 37 and the shield L or the breast-plate 58, Fig. 3, which is arranged in continuation thereof. In order to accomplish this purpose, I providean outwardly-opening door 59 for the extreme lefthand end of the feedway for the grass, (see particularly Figs. 2 and 9,) andI suitably weight said door in order that it may be normally closed. To this end I mount an arm 60 thereon, upon which arm is adjustably mounted a weight 61, the tendency of which is to normally maintain the door 59 closed under an adjustable tension, but permitting said door to open when undue pressure from within the feedway is imposed thereon. From this construction it will be seen that if the grippers do not remove the grass stems or stalks with sufficient rapidity the continued action of the feeding-fingers 39 efiects a continuous crowding of the grass into, the feedway, until finally the pressure exerted 131161 5. by upon the door 59 is sufficient to overcome the weight 61, thereby forcing the door open and permitting the grass to drop out of the feedway. The weighted door 59' prevents the 13, thereby efiecting an actuation of carrier F and of the feeding-fingers 39, the latter presenting the stalks of grass into position to'be grasped by the grippers G when the jaws thereof are opened andreleased by the ends of rods 29 passing the cam H. The grippers G each grasp one or more stems or stalks of the straw and carry the same therewith as the carrier continues its movement.

' The agitation of the tray K facilitates the proper presentation of "the grass to the feed-' ing-fingers 39. Upon a bracket 62, suitably secured to or mounted upon the frame A are adjusting-bolts 63, which carry a cam M, ar-

ranged in the path of'travel of the ends of rods 29 to engage said rods and project the of grass held thereby.

same longitudinally to open the jaws of the grippers, thereby releasing the stems or stalks The mounting and engagement of the cam M are similar to that of cam H above described. Arranged adjacent to the point of location of cam M and I in position for the stalks or stems of grass to drop therein when released from the jaws of grippers G, under the influence of said cam M, is a chute N, having the sides thereof inclined upwardly and outwardly away from each other, as clearly shown in Fig. 2. This chute may be formed of sheet metal and bent into substantially V shape in cross-section, and the entire chute is arranged upon an incline and in position to receive the stems orv stalks of grass when dropped by the grippers.

' It will be understood that since the grippers graspthe butt-ends of the stalks of grass when such stalks are released the said buttends are in advance of the tops, and since the chute N is downwardly and rearwardly inclined relative to the direction of travel of the carrier when the stalks are released from the grippers they fall into the chute with the tops presented rearwardly therein with ref erence to thedirection of travel of the carrier, and hence said tops occupy the lowest partof the bottom of the inclined chute. From the extreme lower corner of the chute extends a funnel 64, opening at the larger end into the chute and delivering at'the smaller end into the twine-forming mechan ism presently to be more particularly described. From the above description ofthe relative arrangement of the grippersG on the periphery of the carrier it will be seen that the releasing of the straws or stems of grass by one pair of gripping-jaws is followed after the carrier has advanced a slight distance farther by the release of the stems or straws of the next succeeding gripper, and. so on,

thus successively and at predetermined intervals depositing the stems or straws of grass into the inclined chute N, from whence said straws pass, tops first, through the funnel 64 to the twine-forming mechanism, the top'of one straw being immediately followed by the top of the next succeeding straw, thus breaking the joints, so to speak, and maintaining an even distribution of the several straws, successively forming the body to be twisted i-nto the twine.

I will now describethe construction, arrangement, and mode of operation of the twine-forming mechanism, particular reference being had to Figs, 1, 2, and 12.

' Upon a suitable standardlO'is adjustably mounted a funnel-shaped sleeve 65. Any suitable, convenient, or desirable arrangement for securing a ready and proper adjustment of this sleeve may be employed. In the particular form shown said sleeve is carried by rod or stem 66,,Which is adjustably mounted in an arm 67, and which in turn is adjustably mounted in standard 0. The enlarged mouth of funnel-sleeve 65 is presented toward and is arran ged in close proximity to the delivery end of funnel 64, as clearly shown, and receives the straws therefrom. In suitable bearings formed in standard 0 and arranged to surround the funnel-sleeve 65 ismou-nted to rotate a sleeve 68,'carryinga pulley 69, through which a rapid rotation is imparted to" said sleeve. Suitable oil-ducts may be provided for lubricating the bearings in which said sleeve 68 revolves. Pivotally mounted on said sleeve are the pair of arms 71, arranged to extend rearwardly therefrom, said arms terminating in clam ping-j aws which are arranged to grasp the straws as they emerge from the rear or small end of sleeve 65. From this itwill be" seen that the straws to form the twine are grasped by the jaws of arms 71 and are twisted into twine form by the rotation of sleeve 68. Suitable springs 72 serve to press said jaws toward each other and into engagement with the straws. The arms 71, which are pivotally mounted, as at 73, have forward e tensionsM, on which are adjustably mounted the weights 75. The rotation of sleeve 68 imparts to said weights a centrifugal force tending to rock the arms 71 about their pivots 7 3 in a direction to clamp the jaws of'arms 7]. upon each other, and by suitably adjusting the weights 75 the degree of this force may be regulated. Rotation may be imparted to the pulley 69 and sleeve 68 through belt connection 76 from a pulley 77 on shaft 78, suitably and conveniently journaled in the framework, and which shaft receives rotation from shaft B through-the belt connection 79 or other suitable driving means. 4

From the foregoing description it will be seen that the stalks of grass are twisted into twine or cable form and that the cable thus formed is of uniform size, dependent upon the number of grippers in operation or the speed of actuation of the carrier, and hence upon the speed of feed of the individual straws. It will also be seen that the forming cable is grasped only at the point where the clamping-jaws of arms '71 operate, and the twisting of the straws into cable form at this point also imparts a whirl to the straws contained in the chute N and funnel 64, and hence preliminarily forming the body of the grass into form, adapting the said clamping-jaws to operate thereon to reduce the same to proper density and compression and to twist the same into twine or cable, and also such whirl causes the succeeding straws when dropped from the grippers to immediately enter as part of the whirling mass.

From the twisting mechanism above described the twisted and formed twine leads through a mechanism which I shall designate the wrapping mechanism, wherein the twine is spirally wrapped with thread. This mechanism includes a tubular shaft or sleeve 80, carrying a drive-pulley 81, through which rotation is imparted thereto, said shaft or sleeve being suitably journaled to rotate in bearings formed in standards P Q, mounted on the framework. Through the bore of this sleeve or shaft the formed twine is led. A balance-wheel 82, mounted on said shaft or sleeve, serves to give steadiness to its rotary action. Of course it will be understood that a rotation of shaft or sleeve 80 does not effeet a rotation or twisting of the twine, the said sleeve being of sufficient diameter to enable the twine to pass freely therethrough. Upon the forward end of sleeve 80 is mounted a face-place 83, upon which is detachably mounted a face-place 84, carrying a tubular extension 85 of sleeve 80, the twine also passing through said tubular extension. Upon this extension is carried the spool of thread with which the twine is wound.- In order that the extension 85 may be readily detached from the face-place 83, to the end that the spool 86 of thread may be readily replaced by another, I slot one side of said faceplate 83, as at 87, and I similarly slot the opposite side of face-plate 8;, as at 88, and a bolt 89, mounted in said plate 84, is arranged to pass through said slot 87, and a similar bolt 90, mounted in plate 83, is arranged to pass through slot 88. From this construction it will be seen that by tightening up on said bolts 89 90 said face-plates are clamped together and by loosening up on said bolts and without removing them from their respective plates said plate 84, carrying with it the spool 86, and the tubular extension 85 may be moved away from face-place 83 until the shoulder 91 clears the countersunk slot formed therefor in said plate 83, and then said plate 84. may he slid off of bolt 90. On

the front end of extension 85 is screwed a 'tubular block or casting 92, the bore of which is in alinement with the bore of said extension and throughwhich bore the twine leads. This casting loosely supports a sleeve The twine passes through the bore of the tubular shaft and its extension 85. Rotation is imparted to said shaft 80 through any suitable gearing-as, for instance, a belt 96 from pulley 81 to pulley 97 on shaft 78. R0- tation is thus imparted to extension and to the spool of thread 86. By suitably revolvin g the shaft 80 in'a direction opposite to that in which the twister revolves -as, for instance, by crossing belt 96-it will be readily seen that the thread leading through the guide-arms 94 is wrapped spirally around the grass twine and in a direction opposite to thetwist imparted to the twine. However, 1 do not desire to be limited to such reverse rotation. The pitch of the spiral wrappings of the thread upon .the twine is of course dependent upon the relative speed of rotation of the spool and the feed of the twine.

It will be readily seen that by the arrangement and construction above described the wrapping-thread is applied to the twisted material at a point in close proximity to the twister-jaws and therefore before the twisted material can untwist after leaving such jaws. It will also be seen that the tubular shaft or sleeve which supports the spool of thread and through which the twisted and wrapped twine passes serves as a support and guide for the twisted and wrapped twine. V

From the wrapping mechanism the twine passes through the clamping and feeding mechanism, by which it is fed as rapidly as formed from the twisting and wrapping mech anisms to the winding mechanism, presently to be described. The feeding mechanism comprises a shaft 98, suitably journaled in a standard R on the main frame and on which is mounted a pulley 99, geared to a pulley 100 on shaft 78 through belt connection 101, by which rotation is imparted to said shaft 98. Upon said shaft is mounted a roll 102, between which and a companion roll 103 the twine is arranged to pass. The saidroll 103 is journaled in an arm 104, pivotally mounted, as at 105. A spring 106, mounted upon a rod 107 and arranged to bear upon said arm 104, serves to impart a suitable tension to said feed roll 103, whereby the twine is grasped between the peripheries of said rolls 102 and 103 and properly held and fed when said rolls are rotated. The tension of said spring 106 may be adjustably regulated by means of the nut 108, mounted on the end of said rod 107 and against which said spring operates, as most clearly shown in Fig. 12.

An extension 109 of arm 104 serves as a handle by which said arm may be rocked to releasethe twine from the grasp of said feedrolls. Intermeshing gears 110 and 111 serve to rotate feed -ro ll 103 by the rotation of roll 102. By this construction it will be readily seen that the twisted andwrapped twine is fed from the twisting and wrapping mechanism.--

From the feeding mechanism the twine is delivered to the winding mechanism, by which it is wound into suitable reels or coils. Many different specific forms of construction for effecting the winding of the twine may be employed, and while I have shown a specific form of mechanism for accomplishing this purpose and one that is simple and eiflcient I do not desire to be limited or restricted thereto, as many changes therein and variations therefrom would readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope of my invention. In the particular form shown I provide a winding-reel comprising a tubular hub 112 and a supporting flange or disk 113 at the lower'endfthereof, said flange or disk being arranged to rest upon and to be supported bya disk or flange. 114, formed or mounted on a shaft 115. Upon said shaft is loosely mounted a grooved pulley 116, and said shaft issupported by the flange 114, resting on the faceof said pulley 116. Rotationisimparted to said pulley from any suitable jor convenient source--as,'for instance, from shaft 78 through belt connection 117 or other convenient form of gearing. The shaft 115 is suit ably journaled in a convenient bearing formed in part S of the framework, and in the specific form shown the end of said shaft is arranged'to project into the hub 112 of the reel.

In practice, though not necessarily, I prefer to journal the shaft 115 in a vertical bearing, as shown, and in such case the said shaft and also the reel are supported by gravity by the flange or disk 114, resting upon the pulley 116, and the flange 113, resting upon plate or flange 114. From this construction it will be readily seen that when rotation is imparted to said pulley 116, through the frictional engagement of the faces of said pulley and plate or disk 114, a rotation is imparted to the shaft 115 and thence to the reel, atthe same time permitting the reel to slip in case of undue strain,- thereby preventing the toorapid winding-of the twine thereon. A positive engagement between the plates or disks 113114 may be provided by arranging a slot or opening 118 in said plate or disk 113, in

which is adapted to be received a projection 119, formed or mounted on plate or di$k'1.14 as, for instance, in the form of a pin mounted in' said disk 114 and having its head arranged to project into the slot or opening 118.; On the upper end of the reel-tube 112 is arranged a plate 120, said plate being removably bolted to said tube, whereby it may be'readily removed therefrom in order that the coil of'twine when completed may be removed from the spindle or support 112,.upon

which said coil is wound. In order to facilitate the ready removal of the coil from its spindle-support 112, I preferably make said spindle or tube slightly tapering from the plate 113 to the other end of said support, as clearly shown in Fig.13. From this construction it will be seen that when a coil of the desired size has been wound upon the spindle the plate 120 may be removed and the coil slipped endwise from thespindle or support upon which it is wound. It will also be seen from the construction above described that the entire reel maybe readily removed by liftingthe same untilthe slot 118 clears the projection 119 and until the said reel is withdrawn from the end of shaft 115. By arranging said shaft to project into the hub of the reel it will be seenfthat said reel is thereby supported properly and maintained in its proper position. The plate or disk 120 is provided with a notehor slot 121, out in the periphery thereof, as clearly shown in Fig. 15, into which the end of the twine may be fastened, thereby securing said end in starting the coil or after the completely-formed coil has been severed from the twine.

In practice I prefer to arrange a-pair of reels in' proper relation to each other, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 15, in order that when one reel has been filled-the operation of the machine need not be arrested while said filled reel is being removed. Therefore by providing two or more of such reels adjacent to each other and in position to be rotated in unison as soon as the twine has been severed the end thereof is fastened in the ad jacent unfilled reel,"as above explained, and the coiling operation continues upon such reel while the previously-filled reel is being removed. I V

The plates or disks 113 and 120 forin guides for the ends 'of the coils of twine, and the twine is wound into spiral coils upon the spindle or support 112 in the space between said plates or disks. It'is important to provide means for suitably directing the deliveryof the twine to the spindle to the end that said twine is coiled upon said spindle in successive layers or coils,each layer extending from'the plate or disk at one end of the winding-spindle to that at the other end. Many difierent specific forms of mechanism may be employed to accomplish the desired object. As illustrative of the operative means, but to which I do not desire to be limited or restricted, I have shown what I shall designate a deployer. This consists, as most clearly shown in Figs. 13, 14, and 15, of a shaft 122, suitably journaled in a convenient part of the framework and upon which is cut a double or reversing screw-thread, as shown most clearly in Fig. 13.- Upon the threadedpart of this shaft is mounted a sleeve 123, having a lug or projection'l24 extending therefrom in whichis mounted a guide-funnel 125, through which the twine is led. One

side of said sleevel123 is slotted, as shown at 126, Fig. 14, and through this slot projectsa short rod 127, having the inner end thereof shaped to engage and follow-the screw-threads formed 011 shaft 122. Said arm has a nut or washer 128 mounted thereon and a spring 129 interposed between said nut or washer and the wall of a projecting. lug or casting 130, formed on sleeve 123 and through which the outer end of said valve 127 is arranged to project. The tendency of the spring 129 is to constantly press the inner end of rod 127 into mesh with the screwrthreads of shaft 122. From this construction it will be seen that when rotationis imparted to said shaft 122 the sleeve 123 is caused to traverse back and forth the reversing-threads of said shaft, due to the intermeshing with said threads of the inner end of rod 127, and since the twine is led through the guide-funnel 125, carried by said sleeve 123, it will be seen that said twine is deployed properly and in the desired manner to form the successive layers of coils on the reel. The speed of travel of the sleeve upon shaft 122 is dependent upon the pitch of the screw-threads formed thereon and also on the relative speed of rotation of said shaft. Any suitable arrangement may be provided for rotating said shaft. 1 have shown a convenient arrangement wherein I mount a gear 131 ,upon said shaft, said gear being driven froma gear 131 upon shaft 115.

It is believed the operation of the machine will be readily seen and understood by persons skilled in the art from the foregoing specific description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and while I have shown and described a specific construction and arrangement of apparatus which is the bestform in which I at present contemplate carrying my invention into practical operation Idesire it to he understood that I do not limit or confine myself to the exact details of the construction and arrangement shown. and described, as many variations therefrom and changes therein would readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope of my invention; but,

Having now set forth the object and nature of my invention and a form of apparatus embodying in its construction the principles thereof and having described the construction, arrangement, function, and mode of operation of such apparatus, what I claim as new and useful and of my own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

1. In a machine of the class described, a carrier, grippers mounted thereon and pros jecting radially from the periphery thereof, said grippers having jaws adapted to be opened and closed, a feedway for the mate rial, feeding-plates carrying pivoted fingers arranged to project into said feedway for positively feeding the stalks of grass into po: sition to be grasped by said gripping-jaws,

means for rotating said plates, and means foractuating said carrier, as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In a machine of the class described a feedway adapted to receive the materialto be operated on, a carrier provided on the periphery thereof with radially-extending grippers having gripping-jaws said feedway arranged in the path of travel of saidgripping-jaws, means for positively feeding the material to said gripping-jaws comprising rotary plates having pivoted fingers arranged to project into said feedway and gearing for positively rotating said plates and means for actuating said carrier, as and for the purpose set forth.

3. In a machine of the class described, a

box or tray adapted to receive the material to be operated on, a carrier provided with gripping-jaws, said box or tray arranged in the path of travel of said gripping-jaws, a cam for agitating said box or tray, and means for actuating said carrier and cam, as and for the purpose set forth.

4. In a machine of the class described, a box or tray adapted to receive the material to be operated on, a portion of said box or tray being pivotally mounted, a carrier provided with gripping-jaws, said box ortray arranged in the path of travel of said gripping-jaws, a cam for rocking said pivotallymounted portion of the box or tray and means for actuating said carrier and can], as and for the purpose set forth.

5. In a machine of the class described, a carrier provided on the periphery thereof with gripping-jaws, a feedway for the material arranged transverse to the path of travel of said carrier, a feed-plate having pivoted feed-fingers for positively feeding the material to said feedway and means for actuating said carrier and plate, as and for the purpose set forth.

6. In a machine of the class described a carrier provided on the periphery thereof with radially-extending grippers having grippingjaws, a feedway for the material arranged transverse to the path of travel of said carrier and inclined relatively thereto, feed-plates carrying pivoted fingers arranged to project into said feedway for feeding the material to said carrier, means for actuating said carrier and means for rotating said plates, as and for the purpose set forth.

' 7. In a machine of the class described a car,

rier provided on the periphery thereof with radially-extending grippers having grippingjaws a feedway for the material, a box or tray arranged in communication with said feedway and adapted to receive the material, feed- 1 plates carrying pivotally-mounted feed-fingers arranged to operate in said box or tray for feeding the material from said box or tray to said feedway and into the path of travel of said gripping-jaws and means for actuating said carrier andfeed-fingers, as and for the purpose set forth.

8. In a machine of the class described, a car:

rier provided on the periphery thereof with gripping-jaws, a feedway for the material, a box or tray pivotally mounted and arranged in communication with said feedway, feedfingers for feeding the material from said box or tray to said feedway, means for agitating said boxor tray, and means for actuating said feed-fingers andcarrier, as and forthe purpose set forth.

9. In a machine of the class described, a carrier provided with gripping-jaws, a feedway for the material, rotary plates having pivoted fingers arranged to project into said feedway and adapted when actuated to feed the material into the path of travel of said jaws, means for actuating said plates, and means for actuating said carrier, as and for the purpose set forth.

10. In a machine of the class described, a carrier provided with gripping-jawspa feedway for the material, diskshaving fingers pivota'lly mounted thereon, said fingers arranged to project into said feed way, means for rotating said disks whereby said fingers effect a feeding of the material into the path of travel of said gripping-jaws, and means for actuating said carrier, as and for the purpose set forth. g

11. In a machine of the class described, a carrier provided with gripping-jaws, a feedway for the material, disks having fingers piv otally mounted thereon, means for rotating said disks, means arranged in the path of said fingers for projecting the same into the feedway and means for actuating said carrier, as and for the purpose set forth.

12. In a machine of the class described, a carrier having gripping-jaws mounted thereon, a feedway, a shaft arranged adjacent to said feedway and having disks mounted thereon, fingers pivotally mounted on said disks, means for rotating said disks, friction-rollers arranged in the path of travel of said fingers and arranged to engage and project the same into said feedway, and means for actuating said carrier, as and for the purpose set forth.

13. In a machine of the class described, a carrier provided with gripping-jaws, a feedway, plates having feeding-fingers for feeding the material through said feedway and into the path of said gripping jaws, and means for yieldingly opposing the action of said fingers, and means for actuating said carrier and plates, as and for the purpose set forth.

14. In a machine of the class described, acarrier provided with gripping-jaws, a feedway, means for feeding the material through said feedway and into the path of said gripping-jaws, and a door for the end of said feedway, said door being yieldingly held in closed position, and means for actuating said carrier', as andfor the purpose set forth.

15. In a machine of the class described, a carrier provided with gripping-jaws, means for actuating said carrier, a feedway for the material, said feedway provided with a door at the end thereof, a weighted armattached to said door whereby it is normally and yieldingly maintained in closed position, means for adj ustably reguating the tension of said weight, and means for feeding the material to said feedway, as and for the purpose set forth.

- 16. In a machine of the class described, a carrier, gripping-jaws mounted on the periphery thereof in diagonally-arranged transverse rows said gripping-jaws each comprising a stationary part, and a part hinged tosaid stationary part on a transverse axis, a rod connected to said hinged part, means for ac tuating said carrier, and means arranged in the path of travel of said rods for engaging the same whcreloy'said rods are projected to open and close said jaws, as and for the purpose set forth.

17. In a machine of the class described a carrier provided with pairs of gripping-jaws arranged to extend radially and diagonally in transverse rows from the periphery there'- of, one jaw of each pair being stationarily mounted on said carrier and the other jaw pivotally mounted on an axis transverse to said stationarily mounted jaw, a rod connected to said pivotally-mounted jaw a spring for normally maintaining said jaws closed upon each other, and means arranged in the path of travel of said rods for successively engaging and projecting the same whereby said jaws are opened and closed, as and for the purpose set forth.

18. In a machine of the class described, a carrier provided with a side flange, pairs of gripping-jaws mounted on said carrier, one member of each pair being stationarily mounted on said carrier and the other member pivotally mounted onan axis transverse to said stationary jaw, a rod connected to said pivoted member and arranged to project through said flange, and means arranged in the path of the projecting end of said rod for engaging said end and projecting said rod endwise, as and for the purpose set forth.

19. In a machine of the class described, a carrier provided with a side flange, pairs of gripping-jaws mounted on said carrier, one member of each pair being perforated and rigidly mounted on said carrier and the other member being pivotally mounted on said rigid member, a'rod connected to said pivoted member and arranged to pass through the perforation in the fixed member, and through said side flange whereby it is guided, and means'arranged in the path of travel of the projecting ends of said rods for project ing the same endwise, as and for the purpose set forth.

20. In a machine of the class described, a carrier-wheel, gripping-jaws mounted upon theperiphery thereof said gripping-jaws arsaid carrier, cams arranged in'the path of travel of said rods for successively engaging the ends thereof whereby said rods are projected to open said jaws, and means for adj usting said cams relative to the path of travel of the ends of said rods, as and for the purpose set forth.

21. In a machine of the class described, a carrier-wheel provided on the periphery thereof with pairs of gripping-jaws, arranged in rows diagonally across the periphery of said wheel, each succeeding pair of such jaws being arranged out of the peripheral line of the corresponding pair in the preceding diagonal row, and a cam arranged adjacent to the path of travel of said jaws for successively engaging the same to open and close them as they are carried by, as and for the purpose set forth. I

22. In a machine of the class described, a carrier-wheel provided with pairs of grippingjaws arranged to project radially from the periphery thereof, each succeeding pair of such jaws being arranged out of line both transversely and peripherally with respect to the preceding pair of jaws, a rod connected to one member of each pair of jaws for opening and closing the same, and a cam for suc-- cessively engaging all of said rods, as and for the purpose set forth.

23. In a machine of the class described, a carrier comprising a cylindrical shell pairs of gripping-jaws mounted in said shell in transverse diagonal rows and arranged to project radially from the periphery of said wheel,one member of each pair provided with a shouldered shank arranged to pass through said shell, a clamp-nut for clamping said member to said shell the othermember of said pair being pivotally mounted on the fixed member, means for automatically opening and closing successively all of said jaws, and means for actuating said carrier, as and for the purpose set forth.

24:. In a machine of the class described a carrier having clamping-jaws radially mounted on the periphery thereof, plates having pivoted fingers for positively feeding the material into the path of travel of said jaws, means for automatically opening and closing successively the said jaws to grasp the material therebetween means for actuating said plates and carrier, a receiver arranged in the path of travel of said carrier and means for automatically opening said jaws to deposit the material in said receiver, as and for the purpose set forth.

25, In a machine of the class described, gripping-jaws pivoted together, an operatingrod pivotally connected to one of saidjaws, and means for actuating said rod, as and for the purpose set forth. i

26. In a machine of the class described, a

twisting device including a rotatable sleeve,

clamping-jaws pivotally mounted thereon, and means for imparting a tension to said clamping-jaws directly proportioned to the speed of rotation of said sleeve, as and for the purpose set forth. i

27. In a machine of the. class described, a twisting device including a rotatable sleeve, clamping-jaws pivotally mounted thereon,

said clamping-jaws being weighted, whereby through centrifugal force exerted upon said weighted jaws, and developed by the rotation of said sleeve, said jaws are clamped together with a tension proportioned to the speed of rotation of said sleeve, as and for the purpose set forth.

28. In a machine of the class described, twister including a rotatable part, arms p'iv otally mounted on said rotatable part, said arms having clam ping-jaws, and weights adat one of the ends thereof, and weights adjustably mounted on the other ends of-said arms, as and for the purpose set forth.

80. In a machine of the class described, a

twister including a rotatable sleeve, arms pivotally mounted on said sleeve and carrying cooperating clamping-jaws at one end thereof, and weights at the other end,'and

springs for normally pressing said clampingjaw ends toward each other, as and for the purpose set forth. i

81. In an organized machine for making grass twine, a carrier provided with radiallyarranged gripping-jaws arranged in diagonal transverse rows, means for positively feeding the material into the path of said jaws, and means for opening said jaws to grip and re lease the material, and an inclined trough arranged to receive the material from said gripping-jaws, in combination with a twister adapted to receive the material from said trough, means for wrapping thetwisted material with thread, and means for feeding the twisted and wrapped product from the machine, as and for the purpose set forth.

32. In an apparatus of the class described a twister having clamping-jaws arranged to grasp the material passing therethrough, a wrapping mechanism including a sleeve arranged in alinement with the twister and adapted to receive the twisted material from said clamping-jaws and support the same,

and means forapplying a wrapping-thread to I the twisted material at a point between said twister and sleeve, and means for rotating said sleeve and twister, as and for the purpose set forth.

33. In an apparatus of the class described, a twister carrying clamping-jaws arranged to grasp the material passing therethrough, a wrapping mechanism including a tubular between said twister and shaft, and means shaft arranged in alinement with said twister, and adaptedv to receive therethrough the twisted material from said clamping-jaws and to form a support therefor, a spool of wrapping-thread sleeved upon said shaft means for guiding the wrapping-thread to a point between said twister and shaft, and means for relatively rotating said twister and shaft, as and for the purpose set forth.

34. In an apparatus of the class described a twister-sleeve carrying clamping-jaws and arranged to grasp and twist the material passing through said sleeve, a tubular shaft arranged in alinement with said sleeve and adapted to receive longitudinally therethrough the twisted m aterial from said clamping-jaws, and to form a support therefoTaspool'carryin g wrapping-thread sleeved upon said'shaft, means for guiding said thread from the spool to the twisted material at a' point between said shaft and sleeve means for relatively rotating said sleeve and shaft, and means for feeding the twisted and wrapped material, as and for the purpose set forth.

35. In an apparatus of the class described, a wrapping mechanism including a tubular shaft, a spool carrying the wrapping-thread and sleeved upon said shaft, in combination with a twisting mechanism includingasleeve, twister-jaws carried thereby and arranged to deliver the twisted material to said tubular shaft whereby said shaft forms a support for the'twisted material after it leaves thetwisting mechanism, means for guiding the wrapping-thread to the twisted material at a point for rotating said shaft and sleeve in opposite directions, as and for the purpose set forth.

36. In an apparatus of the class described twister-jaws arranged to grasp the material a tubular shaft arranged to receive thetwisted material from said jaws, and to form a support therefor, a spool of wrapping-thread sleeved concentrically upon said shaft, means for applying the wrapping thread to the twisted -material as it emerges from the twister jaws, and at a point between the twister-jaws and the tubular shaft, and means for rotating said jaws and shaft in reverse directions, as and for the purpose set forth.

37'. In an apparatus of the class described twisting mechanism adapted to twist the ma- 7 terial, a spool carrying the wrapping-thread said spool arranged to receive the twisted material longitudinally therethrough, whereby the twisted material is supported after leaving the twisting mechanism, means for guiding said thread to'a point between said spool and twisting mechanism, and means for rotating said twistingmechanism and spool in opposite directions, as and for the purpose set forth.

38. In an apparatus of the class described a twister mechanism adapted to twist the material, in combination with a tubular shaft arranged in alinement with said twister mechand means for reversely rotating said shaft and twisting mechanism, as and for-the purpose set' forth. 1

39. In an apparatus of the class described,

a twister in combination with a wrapping mechanism including a tubular shaft, a tubular extension detachably connected m said shaft, said extension carrying the spool of thread, a thread-guide looselysleeved upon said extension and means for feeding the material through said shaft and extension, as and for the purpose set forth.

40. In an apparatus of the class described, a twister in combination with a wrapping mechanism including a tubular shaft, a tubular extension detachably connected to said shaft, a spool of thread sleeved on said extension, thread-guides loosely sleeved-on said extension, and means for feeding the material through said shaft and extension, as and for the purpose set forth.

41. In an apparatus of the class described, a twister in combination with a wrapping mechanism including a rotarytubular shaft carrying a flange, a flanged tubular extension, carrying. the thread, a guide for the thread loosely sleeved upon said extension, and

means for detachably securing said flanges.

together, as and for the purpose set forth.

42. In an apparatus of the class described, a wrapping mechanism includinga rotary t-ubular shaft carrying a flange, said flange being slotted in the periphery thereof, anda tubular extension carrying a spool. ofthread, said extension also being provided with a flange, said flange being slotted in the. pc-

riphery thereof and bolts secured in :"said flanges and respectively arranged to pass through said slot-s, as and for the purpose set forth.

43. In an apparatus of the class described, a wrappin g mechanism including a rotary tubularshaft having a peripherally slotted flange, said flange being provided witha countersunk seat in the face thereof, and a periphorally-slotted flanged tubular extension carrying the wrapping-thread, the flange of said extension provided with a shoulder adapted to be received in said seat, bolts arranged to pass through the slots in said'flanges, for detachably clamping the same together and means for feeding the material through said shaft and extension,tas and for the purpose set forth. i

44, In an organized machine for making grass twine, a twisting mechanism, means for delivering the grass, straws, or stalks thereto one after the other in uniform successionand at uniform distances apart, a wrapping mechanism arranged to receive the twisted material from said twisting mechanism and adapted to apply a wrapping-thread thereto, a feeding mechanism arranged to feed the twisted or wrapped material through said wrapping mechanism, in combination with a windingreel arranged to receive the twisted or wrapped material and means for actuating said several mechanisms in unison, as and for the purpose set forth. a

45. In an organized machine for making grass twine, a twisting mechanism, means for delivering thereto the stalks or stems of grass, one after the other in uniform succession a wrapping mechanism arranged to receive the material from said twisting mechanism, and to apply a wrapping-thread thereto, and a feeding mechanism for feeding the twisted and Wrapped material through the machine, in combination with a winding-reel arranged to receive the twisted and wrapped material, and a deployer for guiding the material to and along said reel, and means for actuating said several mechanisms in unison.

46. In a machine for making grass twine, a winding mechanism comprising two or more shafts arranged in proximity to each other, a common drive-gear for all of said shafts, an

independent reel mounted on each shaft, and,

a single deployer for all of said reels, said deployer arranged to guide the material to either one or the other of said reels, whereby when one reel has been filled said deployer may deliver the material to another and adjacent reel while the filled reel is being removed, as and for the purpose set forth.

47; In an organized machine for making grass twine, the combination of the following elements, a feedway, means for feeding the material thereto a carrier having grippers arranged in successive diagonal rows and adapted to project into said feedway, a chute,

4 means arranged to open said grippers succesfrom said driveshaft, as and for the sively when they arrive adjacent to said chute whereby the stalks or stems of grass are successively deposited in said chute, a twisting mechanism arranged to receive the material from said chute and adapted to impart a twist thereto, a wrapping mechanism arranged to receive the twisted material from said twisting mechanism and adapted to apply a wrapping-thread thereto, a feeding mechanism for the Wrapped material, a winding mechanism arranged to receive the material from said feeding mechanism and adapted to wind the same upon a reel, a main drive-shaft, and means for actuating said several mechanisms purpose set forth. V

48. In a machinefor making grass twine, the combination of a drum having a peripheral flange with openings therethrough nippers extending from the periphery of the carrier, said nippers having jaws, one of the jaws being pivoted, a rod secured tothe piv oted jaw of each nipper, said rod extending through one of the openings of the flange of the carrier, means for normally holding the pivoted jaw of the nipper in close contact with the other jaw of said nippers, a mechanism located exteriorly of the carrier and adapted to act successively on the rod of the pivoted jaw in order to impart thereto a sliding movement and thereby turn the pivoted jaw of the nipper out of closed contact with the other jaw of said nipper.

&9. In a machine for making twine, the combination of a carrier nippers carried thereby, said nippers having jaws, one of the jaws being pivoted, a rod slidingly engaging one of the jaws and connected to the pivoted jaw,

cams adapted to act successively on the rod of the pivoted jaw of each nipper at the proper time, and means for closing the nipper after the cam has ceased to act on the pivoted jaw.

50. In a machine for making twine the combination, of a nipper having jaws, one of said jaws'being movable, a rod slidingly engaging one of the jaws and connected to the movable jaw, means for sliding the rod endwise in order to bring the movable jaw of the nipper out of closed contact with the other jaw of said nipper, and means for normally holding the movable jaw of the nipper in closed contact with the other jaw of said nipper.

51. In a machine for making twine the combination of a carrier nippers carried thereby, said nippers having jaws, one of the jaws being pivoted, a rod pivotally connected to said pivoted jaw, means adapted to act successively on the rod of the pivoted jaw of each nipper in order to open the nipper at the proper time, and means for closing the nipper after the opened ones have ceasedto act on the pivoted jaw.

52. In a machine for making twine the com bination of a nipper having jaws, one of said jaws being movable, a rod pivotally connected to said movable jaw, means for sliding said rod endwise in order to bring the movable jaw of the nipper out of closed contact with the other jaw of said nipper.

53. In a machine for making grass twine, a feedway, a carrier, nippers arranged to project radially from the periphery of said carrier and in diagonal rows, means for opening and closing said ni p pers while passing through said feedway and means for opening said nippers for delivering the straws. therefrom, whereby the straws are delivered successively, as and for the purpose set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 28th day of June, 1897, in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.

GEORGE A. LQWRY.

Attest:

S. E. DARBY, FRED. P. BECKER. 

